Sorry I haven't updated in a long time, but I have an extremely busy with swimming, then school, and then I started reading the Twilight series, and well, I'm sure if you've read them, you can understand. But anyways, here goes.

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"Hi. I'm Melody," a petite brunette said, reaching out to shake Troy then Gabi's hands. She flashed them a huge smile, instantly making Gabriella happy for her decision. "I'll be conducting the interview."

"Thank you for doing this. It means the world to us," Gabi said, returning the dazzling smile. Troy squeezed her hand gently, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. She smiled lovingly up at him, an exchange that did not go unnoticed by Melody. "Please, have a seat."

They strolled into the living room. Troy sat in a loveseat, and Gabi immediately sank down next to him, curling her legs under her and snuggling into his chest. Melody gazed curiously at them before sitting in a chair opposite them. She pulled a tape recorder, a notepad, and a camera from her bag.

"Do you mind?" she asked tentatively, holding up the camera. They both shook their heads no. "Ok, just look natural, like you're just sitting here talking. I'm not even here." They gazed at each other, and smiled slightly, as if they were sharing a joke between them. She snapped several pictures, from several different angles, as Troy and Gabi gazed adoringly at each other, adjusting to several different poses, all natural, of course.

"Ok, that should be good for now," Melody said, setting the camera down on the table. Quickly, she set up the tape recorder on the coffee table and grabbed her notepad, perching it carefully on her lap. "So, if you ever feel uncomfortable, just let me know. You don't have to answer anything unless you want to."

"Ok. Ask away," Gabi said, shooting the reporter another smile.

(Bold will be Melody and Italicized will be Gabriella and Underlined is Troy. Oh, and regular is non-dialect.)

"Ok, I'm going to start with some basic questions and see where that takes us. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please tell me," she smiled at them, and they couldn't help but smile back at her. "So, when did you two first meet?"

"We met over winter break during our junior year of high school," Gabriella answered. "We were at a ski resort over New Years and there was this teen party. We got roped into singing karaoke together, and then I transferred schools to end up at his high school. And we've been friends ever since."

"I see. So, at what point did you start dating?"

"We became best friends from almost the moment we met, and then it just sort of happened. I'd say it was the end of junior year."

"So, Gabriella, why have we not seen you around with Troy all these years?"

"I had to, um…leave for a while. We kind of broke up and lost contact."

It was very clear to everyone, even Gabriella, that she was uncomfortable. Troy leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Babe, you can tell them the full story. We did promise an exclusive, all-inclusive interview. Go ahead, I'm here for you."

"Actually, what happened is, after graduation senior year, there was an issue. I…we got pregnant, and Troy had such a promising future, I didn't want anything to stop that. So I broke up with him, without telling him about the baby, and moved to Phoenix, to live with my aunt."

"Really? So all the rumors of an illegitimate child are true?"

"Well, I wouldn't call Jackson illegitimate, but yes. I did what I had to do to protect Troy's future. My mother knew, and so did some of our friends. They were really supportive, and they helped me in any way they could. I made them swear not to tell Troy until I was ready for it. I had our baby and then put myself through college, with help from family and friends."

"So at what point did you tell Troy about all of this?"

"About three months ago, our friends decided that enough was enough, and they kind of took matters into their hands. You obviously know Zeke Baylor. He brought Troy, along with Chad Danforth and Jason Cross, who also didn't know what had happened to me, to the restaurant where I worked, during my shift. Zeke requested me as their waitress, and let's just say I had the shock of my life. I actually fainted. We all went back to my apartment, and I explained what had happened."

"So where is this child of yours? How old is he?"

"Jackson is at daycare right now. He's 5 years old."

"What's his full name?"

"Jackson Troy Bolton."

"Why did you give him Troy's name? Surely, as a single mother, you would want your child to have your name?"

"I never really thought of myself as a single mother. It takes two to make a child, and I wanted Jackson to have Troy's name because I knew that I wasn't going to avoid Troy forever. Besides, just because I left Troy doesn't mean I don't still love him. I never stopped loving him, and this was just the way I thought it was supposed to be."

"You mean you love Troy? As in, like, in love? Does this mean that there are wedding bells in the future?"

"Anything's possible. What else would you like to know?" Gabriella gave Melody a big smile, indicating that the topic was not open for discussion.

"Ok, um, Troy. What was your reaction when Gabriella left?"

"I was shocked and extremely upset. I didn't know why she was leaving, where she was going, anything. I was really depressed in the months that followed, until some friends shook me out of it. It was definitely one of the worst moments of my life, but I understand now."

"What was your reaction to finding out you had a child?"

"I was happy and stunned, but I don't blame Brie for doing what she did. Had things been any different, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. I'm actually very grateful for what Gabi did. She allowed us to both take a break, and accomplish things that wouldn't have otherwise happened. Don't get me wrong, I missed her every moment that she was gone, but I definitely wouldn't be in the position I'm in if not for her.

"It sounds like you really love her."

"I do. A lot."

"I love you too."

"One more question. What do you two plan on doing, now that America's most eligible bachelor is spoken for?"

"We plan on carrying on as we always have. The fame and fortune doesn't really affect Gabi the way it does…some people. We've been best friends since we've known each other and that won't change, no matter how much money either of us has, or anything. Besides, if Troy's head gets too big, I know how to deflate it. It's one of my many talents. She shoved Troy playfully, and he pouted playfully. She giggled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. I guess we just know how to handle each other, no matter what. Plus, we have amazing friends that don't let us forget about each other. Yeah, they'll say something if one of us gets out of line. It's great having people like that around you. They're good for you.

(END INTERVIEW)

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"Thanks again for doing this for us," Gabriella said, reaching over to embrace the reporter.

"It was my pleasure. You truly are a remarkable girl, Gabriella," Melody replied happily. She leaned in to whisper in Gabi's ear. "And I expect an invitation to your wedding, when the time comes."

Gabi blushed and pulled away, glaring lightly at Melody, who laughed. Troy shook his head, wondering what had been said, but he said nothing.

"If you ever need another interview done, just call me. Here's my extension," Melody said, handing Troy a business card, which he tucked "safely" into his pocket. Gabi made a mental note to take it out later, less she wanted it washed into oblivion.

"Will do, Melody. Just call us if you need any blanks filled. You have my number," Troy said, shaking her hand gently.

"Ok," Melody chirped, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. Troy pressed the elevator button and moments later, the bell rang and the doors slid open. Melody stepped in and smiled, waving at the happy couple. They waved back with nearly as much enthusiasm, smiling until the door closed and the elevator started its descent.

As soon as Troy heard the elevator start to move, his shoulders slumped, his smile faded, and he leaned against Gabi, making her stumble to the side. She grinned and shoved him gently(ish) the other way, a move he did not expect nor see, as his eyes were closed. He took several steps before he caught himself.

"What was that for!?" he exclaimed, trying to control his mirth as he watched his girlfriend laugh, clutching desperately at her side.

"You are just so funny!" she said, as if that would explain it. He rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen, trying to ignore the beautiful, laughing woman following him.

After checking the cupboards and refrigerator for nonexistent food, Gabriella was still giggling. The sound was like a drug for Troy, and finally, he couldn't take it. He spun quickly, pulling Gabriella to his body before she knew what was happening. He stared passionately into her eyes, wrapping one strong arm around her waist and placing the other behind her head, caressing her soft hair.

Gabriella immediately stopped laughing, suddenly breathless with love and anticipation. What had brought on this sudden change in attitude she knew not, but she wished she knew, so she could bring it o n more often.

'Wait, did I really just think that?' she thought, eyes widening when she realized she actually meant it.

Troy mistook her widened eyes and pulled away slightly, dropping his hand from head to join the other at her waist. He gazed at her in concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked, voice thick with emotion. It was obvious he didn't want to stop, that he wanted to kiss her, love her, hold her. But his love for her was also what made him stop. "Was it something I did?

"No!" Gabi yelped, startling both Troy and herself. "I mean, it wasn't you. I had a…thought that surprised me."

"Oh. What was this thought?" Troy asked coyly, deep voice causing Gabi to tremble with emotion.

"I was wondering what brought on your sudden change in attitude, and then…" she trailed off, biting her lip. Troy laughed softly, causing Gabi too shudder again.

"What?" he prodded gently. He was curious now, and he would do almost anything to find out. "You can tell me anything."

He breathed the last word into her ear before placing feather-light kisses along her jaw and down her neck. The Gabi he knew couldn't resist this, and he doubted their time apart had changed that.

She shuddered and moaned, tilting her head to give him better access.

"Tell me, Gabi," he murmured huskily against her neck, scraping his teeth lightly under her jaw. "You know you want to."

"I wondered…what…brought on your…change of mind…" she gasped, hardly able to form coherent sentences, with her mind clouding with passion. "I wanted to know it…so…oh…I could bring it on more often."

He smiled against her neck, and started placing more passionate, heavy kisses on her neck and jaw. "Well, I can't exactly tell you that."

"Why?" she whined, stifling a moan.

"Because I don't know," he said casually. "But I'm pretty sure that's just the effect you have on me."

"Oh, to hell with it!" Gabriella finally lost it. She grabbed his head as gently as she could manage and pulled him up to kiss his soft lips, wrapping her arms around his head as soon as she was sure he wouldn't let go.

"You have that effect on me too," she managed to gasp out between kisses. "I'm just better at hiding it than you."

He chuckled against her lips and pulled her closer, tangling his hands in her hair.

Gradually, their kisses became more heated, and soon Troy was attempting to back them out of the room, mentally cursing himself for being so far from their rooms. When Gabriella realized what he was doing, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her easily into his room, never breaking the kiss, kicking the door closed behind him. As soon as he stopped moving, Gabi unwrapped herself and placed her feet back on the ground.

Gabriella untangled her hands from his hair and let them wander down his back. She slipped them under his shirt and let them wander again, marveling at the feel of his abs. She pushed his shirt farther up, fingers dancing excitedly over every inch of exposed skin. Finally, as she became frustrated with the piece of fabric, she decidedly pulled it over Troy's head, immediately seeking his lips as soon as they were free.

Troy pulled anxiously at the hem of Gabi's shirt, giddy when she lifted her arms, indicating he pull it off. He did so happily, leaving her in her strapless bra. They continued to make out allowing their hands to stray over one another's bodies.

Suddenly Troy pulled away, grasping Gabi's trembling hands in his own as she stared confused and slightly hurt into his eyes. Her jeans were unbuttoned but still on, as were his, but neither expected that to stay much longer.

"What?" Gabriella whispered, eyes shimmering. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, baby no," he cooed, reaching up to caress her cheek. "I'm just wondering…do you really want this?"

She stared at him, puzzled, yet she loved him for being so caring. She decided that he had a point, and thought it over. His expression never wavered from that of undying love.

"Troy, baby," she started, chewing over the words before she said them. "I love you with all my heart, and even though we were apart five years, I never stopped loving you. I had a constant reminder of you in Jackson. That interview was just the closure I needed to finally get over our time apart. I'm ready for anything as long as I'm with you."

He stared at her before taking her face gently in his hands and kissing her, pouring all his emotions into that single kiss. When he finally pulled away, they were both breathless as if it were their first kiss.

"You're sure?" She nodded and he growled softly, happily. Gabriella threw her arms around Troy's neck and jumped up to wrap her legs again around his waist. He carried her to his bed and collapsed onto it with her in his arms.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

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Again, please let me know what you think, and I'll try to update as soon as I can, but it may be a while. Can't say I didn't warn ya!

xoTESSxo